Here’s some fantastic places to visit in Rutland and Lincolnshire this summer
Sponsored Editorial
The sun is out, school’s out and everyone’s out and about too! That can only mean one thing. Summer is here!
We have put together a selection of great things to do, see and experience around Lincolnshire and Rutland. This selection features something for everyone.
Simply browse the maps and click on the venue you’d like to know more about, or find all the details below.
Woolsthorpe Manor, Water Lane, Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG33 5PD
Look forward to a scientific summer at Woolsthorpe Manor, childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton, with their new Summer of Discovery - a summer chock-full of activities to inspire curiosity and creativity in children of all ages.
To celebrate Woolsthorpe Manor’s history, the experiments at the property honour the discoveries of Newton in the hope of sparking inspiration in the next generation of big thinkers.
The new interactive experiments on site include: Newton’s Cradles, an Optics Cabin, and Sand Pendulums. See how far you can launch a rocket and learn about Newton’s ideas on forces and motion or explore how height and speed affects how fast toy cars go down a ramp.
There will be an interactive family tour of the Manor House every Saturday, from 20 July, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Explore the Manor House to discover more about young Isaac’s life on the farm and step inside his Chamber where he used a prism to split light into rainbow colours. Book on arrival - first come, first served.
Get hands-on with ‘Discovery Days’ running every Thursday in August and enjoy science activities led by knowledgeable volunteers.
Visit the official website for more information.
Belton Estate, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS
Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, has returned to Belton, bigger and better than ever before!
Discover Belton’s Avenue of Adventure this summer on the East Lawn and set off on a journey to explore some of the countries the Brownlow’s visited. Enjoy playful and interactive activities, from designing your own Chinese Wallpaper and competing in a hobby-horse race, to dressing up and strutting your stuff on a catwalk.
The seaside has been brought to the Estate Yard, with ‘Belton-on-Sea’, next to the ice-cream parlour. After building sandcastles, head to the construction zone to build miniature versions of the mansion with ‘Building Belton’.
Go on a Voyage of Discovery within the Mansion to find some of the treasures in the collection. Try out some new moves on the dancefloor within the Saloon or earn a Belton qualification to be a Junior Collections Assistant on the new interactive offer – Junior Spotlight on Conservation (book on the website).
Swing, dangle, climb, and jump your way through the outdoor adventure playground, and take a miniature train ride through the woods and back again. Families can look forward to a jam-packed day at Belton this summer!
Visit the official website for more information.
Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR
All aboard! There will be no shortage of things to do and see at Nene Valley Railway this summer.
As well as the standard running days where you can ride on a steam or diesel train, there are also a range of exciting events lined up.
The Weekend Commute – 10 & 11 August
Remembering the Commuter Days of the 1990s with Travel on the HST and Pacer.
Superheroes: Princess Homecoming –15 August
Come see the on-platform entertainment from Superheroes and Princesses.
Thomas & His Teddy Bears Big Adventure – 23 August
Come and join Thomas on his Big Adventure, and bring your Teddy out for a ride, as he takes the main line from Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford with his special train.
The Fenman Tornado Fish & Chips – 24 August
The Fenman Fish & Chips service hauled by LNER No 60163 Tornado.
60163 Tornado – 24, 25 & 26 August
Ride behind Tornado as the locomotive returns to the NVR between Main Line duties.
Summer Cream Tea Train – 1 September
Enjoy a cream tea on the train while enjoying the views of the Nene Valley.
Triple B Beer and Music Evening – 6 September
Beer, BBQ and music, from live band The Houndogs!
For more details and booking, visit the official website by clicking here.
B Boutique, 29 St Peter's Street, Stamford, PE9 2PF
Is it time to get a new summer dress? Fashion has been in Rebecca Wade’s blood from an early age.
Starting out at Dorothy Perkins at the age of 18, she has forged a 20-year plus career in the industry, managing high street fashion stores across the country.
After working at River Island in Queensgate, Peterborough, Wade managed department stores in and around east Anglia before starting a family and working in the family decorating business.
But it wasn’t until lockdown that she had a burning desire to dabble once again in ladies fashion.
So she launched B Boutique by Rebecca, starting out on Etsy and building up a strong customer base, attending local events and delivering locally to their homes.
The next step was set upon Facebook and Instagram, before launching the company website.
Then, in April 2024, Wade opened her first store on 29 St.Peter’s Street, Stamford to great fanfare.
B Boutique by Rebecca specialises in comfortable and affordable Italian fashion, including dresses, trousers and leggings, skirts, tops and blouses, and footwear. It offers sizes from eight to 24 and is looking to expand its regular and curve ranges in the near future.
The latest addition to its range is handbags, fascinators and clutch bags, which are perfect for weddings and other events. It also offers nightwear and slippers, knitwear, and accessories.
For more information and opening times, email bboutiquebyrebecca@gmail.com or visit www.bboutiquebyrebecca.com.
Rutland Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB
Rutland Hall Hotel is the perfect place to spend some down time, with its 70 acres of rolling parkland and its lakeside position on the shores of Rutland Water.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during the summer holidays at this dog-friendly countryside resort.
Swimming pool
22m indoor pool with a packed timetable of family swims, floats and fun sessions, lane swimming and more. Pre-booking is required.
Gym
An air-conditioned gym has everything you’ll need for a workout. Personal training sessions are available.
Fitness classes
Fitness classes and other activities run regularly throughout the week including Aqua, Spinning, Pilates, Yoga, Stretch & Mobility, Core & Balance, Bootcamp and Health Walks.
Crazy Golf
A fun and challenging 18-hole crazy golf course awaits.
For swimming, gym and fitness classes, please book via the Leisure team on 01572 757 901.
Blossoms restaurant
When it’s time to refuel, enjoy a delicious light bite or a full meal at Blossoms restaurant, lounge & bar.
Access to Rutland Water
A quick hop over a stile at the edge of the resort and you’re immediately on Rutland Water cycle path. Perfect for a short stroll, dog walk or bike ride.
Get in touch by calling 01572 757 901 or email reception@rutlandhall.co.uk
Bowthorpe Park Farm, Manthorpe, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 0JG
There’s something for everyone at Bowthorpe Park Farm.
The 400-acre arable and livestock farm located in Witham-on-the-Hill, Bourne in South Lincolnshire is home to the UK’s largest girthed oak tree.
Its farm shop also sells Red Tractor farm assured beef, pork and lamb. All of the livestock is born and raised on the farm.
They include traditional slow maturing breeds, grass-fed Lincoln red beef, Berkshire pork and Jacob lamb.
In addition, the farm shop provides homemade ready meals, dry aged beef, deli counter, local milk, fruit and vegetables, cake, ice cream and much more.
The farm also hosts family friendly events throughout the year, with a snack bar, picnic area, undercover seating, large parking area and toilets available, as well as hosting school visits. Additionally, the farm park can be hired for wedding receptions and children’s birthday parties.
Private guided tours of the oak tree are also given. Its impressive girth measures 13.3 metres and in 2022 it was designated one of the 50 Great British Trees by The Tree Council.
Cream teas will be served in the tipi from July 25 to September 1. There is also free park entry.
The farm is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 9am and 5pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
For more information, visit www.bowthorpeparkfarm.co.uk.
Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH
The Barnsdale Gardens team are proud of the fact that their gardens and tea room are open all year round. In fact, the different seasons actually enhance the radiant qualities of the 38 individually designed gardens.
As well as the wonderful gardens to walk around, Barnsdale's Helenium Tea Room serves hot food, cream teas and cakes. The plant nursery and gift shop mean that you can take a piece of Barnsdale home too!
This summer check out these fab things to do :
Summer Sundays at Barnsdale Gardens
Every Sunday during July and August, Barnsdale is offering family events, free with Garden entry.
Willow Sculpture Trail: Throughout July
Rutland Willows will be showcasing a variety of willow animals around the gardens, from peacocks to boxing hares.
Fairy Trail: Throughout July and August
Hunt for the Fairy doors, Fairy houses and Fairies in the woodland and around the gardens. Solve the Fairy riddles, work out what the fairies are trying to tell us and make a wish at the wishing tree.
Fairy Weekend: 3 and 4 August
Dust off your fairy wings and join in with some magical children’s activities with Rutland Book Nook. There will be wand making, magic painting and a sprinkling of fairy dust.Browse the range of high-quality Usborne children’s books, including fairy favourites, while the children are busy.
Barnsdale’s Question Forum: 4 August, 11:30am and 2:30pm
After last year's success it is the return of Barnsdale’s gardening question time, join Nick Hamilton, Matt Biggs, David Hurrion and Barnsdale’s Head Gardener Jon Brocklebank for these question and answer sessions.
Summer Vegetable Weekend: 10 - 11 August, 11am - 4pm
Barnsdale will be opening up the productive areas that are normally off-limits to visitors, and their expert grower will be available to advise you on your own veggie production. The Helenium Tea Room kitchen will provide tasty bites to try all made from the produce and will have a selection of children's activity sheets and vegetable sowing for those budding gardeners.
There's plenty to see and do all year round at Barnsdale Gardens!
Visit the official website by clicking here.